Phnom Penh, Cambodia —
by Kent Craig, ABWE Administrator for the Asia/Pacific region, with Leah Farr
They go by names like Smiley, Wicked, and Diablo. Many have a background in gangs and struggle with drug abuse, drinking, gambling, and womanizing. Heavily tattooed—an unacceptable practice in Cambodia—this group of men are lost in a Phnom Penh ghetto, in more ways than one.
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in Cambodia. It is also a landing point for a small, but distinct subculture of “returnees”—Cambodians who grew up in the United States but were arrested, jailed, and deported. Often, these men are actually coming to Cambodia for the first time. Once there, most of them move into the slums where they are surrounded by continual evil. Few speak the Khmae language upon arrival and even fewer can read or write. Additionally, these men are very American in their way of thinking.
It is easy to see how all of these factors can create a difficult transition for the returnees. Yet, ABWE missionaries Rob and Kristi Cady believe that God has used the trauma of deportation to get these men’s attention.
Upon meeting several returnees, Rob launched a ministry initiative aimed at serving and evangelizing members of this subgroup. Demetrius Walton, a short-term missionary who is familiar with the poverty found in the US government housing system, is helping Rob in this venture. Through God’s faithfulness, several men like Tripp and Smiley have professed their faith and shown fruit of salvation. Others, like Boomer and Canine, are close to trusting the Lord. More than a dozen men now regularly attend Bible studies held twice each week.
Rob is also considering offering marriage counseling for some of the returnees who have since married Cambodian women; often these relationships can be fraught with conflict from language barriers and cultural differences.
During a recent trip to Cambodia, ABWE administrator Kent Craig had the opportunity to meet several of these unique men and see plans for a possible church plant. As Kent prepared to meet the returnees, Demetrius introduced him to the “thug hug,” grasping hands with an arm-wrestling-style grip as you pull on one another and bump chests.
With his background in the projects and military experience, Demetrius has generated tremendous rapport with the returnees. Through his relationships, he has seen God allowing him to dive into Bible studies and discipleship groups with these men.
Rob and Demetrius also have launched a project called “Second Chance: A Project by Returnees for Returnees.” Through this program, the returnees teach English and music lessons and tutor at-risk children in the ghetto.
Other new believers are drawing upon the lessons they’ve learned from their own mistakes and are now working for a secular relief agency that helps drug users address their addictions. Another new believer has joined Rob in counseling two men in the church who were using methamphetamines.
The light of the gospel is shining into the dark and rough lives of these lonely and desperate people. Some are finding peace and purpose through faith in Christ. Pray for their sanctification by the truth, for their protection from the enemy.
Recent Stories
11/18/11
What Do Missions Agencies Do?
Ever wonder what a mission agency does "behind the scenes"?
11/16/11
Life-long ABWE missionary Neil Heim is remembered for faithful service
Life-long ABWE missionary Neil Heim passes into Glory
11/9/11
Relief teams deliver hope, help to Thailand flood victims
Thailand —ABWE responds to flooding that has displaced 9 million people in Thailand.
Cambodia
